Archive: 31 December 2001
117 articles found
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
2002: Is Indonesia entering a vicious or virtuous circle?
2002: Is Indonesia entering a vicious or virtuous circle? Sabam Siagian Editor-at-large The Jakarta Post Jakarta From the outset of planning the two-day discussion, we, at the newspaper, realized the risks involved in bringing together a group of social scientists, cultural observers and NGO activists, particularly because economists tended to dominate. Preventing the encounter from becoming an in-house discussion among economists of different schools was quite a challenge for the moderators.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Officials should be frugal
Officials should be frugal From Rakyat Merdeka Our country is still gripped by an economic crisis and trapped in huge foreign debts. Based on the report of the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN), our senior officials have abundant wealth. However, it has not spurred the commission into action. We need to recall Bung Karno's struggle during the Dutch colonial period. He was jailed several times by the Dutch colonialists. But, Bung Karno felt neither daunted nor hopeless.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Police detain 24 ships carrying illegal timber
Police detain 24 ships carrying illegal timber Damar Harsanto and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Police seized 24 vessels loaded with illegal timber worth Rp 20 billion (US$2 million) at Sunda Kelapa port in North Jakarta, a senior police officer said on Saturday. Police Precinct chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Sigit said the ships had allegedly transported timber from illegal loggers in Kalimantan to Jakarta.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
PON XVI project
PON XVI project and collusion From Republika As a citizen of South Sumatra I feel very sad, annoyed and confounded by the attitude of the provincial executive toward the PON XVI 2004 national sports festival project scam between the regional public works office and the regional legislature's Commission D, involving a Rp 350 million payoff. The conflicting parties (provincial governor Rosihan Arsyad, councillor M.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
BCA ownership
BCA ownership If government officials were serious in seeking to prevent Liem Sioe Liong and/or his family from taking over Bank Central Asia (BCA), then their first priority would be to sell, or confiscate, his current shares, which stand at eight percent. Precisely the opposite is happening, however.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
How do you assess legislators' quality?
How do you assess legislators' quality? or How to assess legislators' quality? Mochtar Buchori Legislator Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Jakarta Measured by any standard, I am a poor legislator, and I'm not a blunt person. So how can a person who outside the legislature is considered reputable, becomes dumb and obfuscates whenever he assumes his role as a legislator? Here's why.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
AFTA to come into force without much fanfare
AFTA to come into force without much fanfare Adianto P.Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The ASEAN Free Trade Area, more widely known as AFTA, will come into force Tuesday without much fanfare, and with most people across the country unaware of the significance of the event. Offices across the country will be closed Tuesday as people across the world celebrate the start of the new year. There isn't any ceremony to be held by the Indonesian government to mark this historic moment, however.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Papuans ask why Mega canceled trip
Papuans ask why Mega canceled trip Papuan (Irian Jaya) leaders have begun to question President Megawati's decision to cancel a trip to the eastern-most province, which was initially scheduled for Dec. 23. J.I. Renyaan, deputy mayor of Jayapura said on Thursday that he was overwhelmed by enquiries on the matter. "The President had promised to attend Christmas celebrations and to present the law on autonomy on Papua, which she has already enacted.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special Section
Year-end Special Section The Jakarta Post continues its review of the year with this section today looking at the question of life in the regions and metro Jakarta. The year 2001, which ends in a matter of days, has witnessed what many people call the biggest experiment in regional autonomy -- the decentralization of power.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Sacrificing for the country is the duty of all citizens
Sacrificing for the country is the duty of all citizens President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti have highlighted the financial difficulties experienced by Indonesia. Both of them then appealed to business people to make sacrifices and help the country by bringing back funds kept abroad.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Public demands resignation of railway officials
Public demands resignation of railway officials Kurniawan Hari and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three separate train accidents occurred on Christmas Day, killing at least 61 people. Dozens of rail disasters have occurred in the past few months and politicians and passengers put that down to mismanagement by the top train officials. Many are demanding that the top executives of state railway company PT KAI quit and Minister of Transportation Agum Gumelar be dismissed from his post.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Grand fireworks welcome new year
Grand fireworks welcome new year JAKARTA: The new year celebrations in Jakarta will be highlighted by an impressive show of fireworks in Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta, with more than 1000 fireworks imported from China, Spain and Canada. The 15-minute show along with a special concert will entertain the Jakartans as part of the city-owned recreational park's program to welcome the new year, with the theme of Cool ... Jakarta Cool 2002.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Humane treatment of job-seekers
Humane treatment of job-seekers Beginning next week, the city administration will launch an operation to reorganize Jakarta's demographic population in anticipation of an influx of newcomers from throughout the region at the end of Idul Fitri. As in previous years, Jakarta residents returning from their home villages will bring along thousands of friends or relatives.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Impoverished Kebumen ahead in good governance
Impoverished Kebumen ahead in good governance On Jan. 1, 2001 Indonesia embarked on the gigantic task of giving the regions greater autonomy with the implementation of Law No. 22/1999 on regional administration and Law No. 25/1999 on fiscal balance. The two laws have provided an opportunity for self-governance for the regions, from province to regency and mayoralty, where, intrinsically, they have the final say on their own affairs.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
'Still a grim look of Indonesian sports ahead'
'Still a grim look of Indonesian sports ahead' Musthofid The Jakarta Post Jakarta With economic and political condition expected to have yet to return normal in the near future and the absence of government's sporting goodwill, Indonesian sports is facing a grim prospect ahead, according to senior athletes.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
THE MARKET THAT WAS:
THE MARKET THAT WAS: A day after being set ablaze by a group of people the Masomba traditional market in Palu, Central Sulawesi, was deserted on Sunday, with only smoldering debris remaining. The destruction of hundreds of kiosks at the market started on Friday, following the killing of Chief Brig. Zakir Mosi, who had led a cleanup and order operation at the market. Mosi, an ethnic Kaili from Palu, was mobbed before finally a fish vendor stabbed him.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
No Paper
No Paper In observance of New Year's Day, The Jakarta Post will not appear on Tuesday. The Post will resume publication on Wednesday. We wish all our readers a Happy New Year. -- The Publisher
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Impoverished Kebumen ahead in good governance
Impoverished Kebumen ahead in good governance On Jan. 1, 2001 Indonesia embarked on the gigantic task of giving the regions greater autonomy with the implementation of Law No. 22/1999 on regional administration and Law No. 25/1999 on fiscal balance. The two laws have provided an opportunity for self-governance for the regions, from province to regency and mayoralty, where, intrinsically, they have the final say on their own affairs.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Medan airport reopens but flooding worsens elsewhere
Medan airport reopens but flooding worsens elsewhere Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The Polonia Airport in the North Sumatra capital of Medan reopened on Sunday after torrential rains deluged the province Saturday, affecting thousands of homes. The rains reportedly killed at least one person in Langkat regency. Airport manager Risman Nuryadin told The Jakarta Post that the airport reopened at 6 a.m. on Monday after the water was cleared from the submerged runway.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Complaints regarding the bureaucracy
Complaints regarding the bureaucracy The government bureaucracy is again in the spotlight. This time it is the comments from President Megawati Soekarnoputri. In essence, the head of state said that cooperation between the ministers and the first and second echelon officials was not good. As a result, the government policies could not be executed the way they should be. As far as we know, this is the President's complaint regarding bureaucracy that she expressed openly.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati tells TNI not to worry about rights abuse charges
Megawati tells TNI not to worry about rights abuse charges Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri urged the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Saturday to keep the country intact and said not to worry about accusations of human rights abuses in carrying out its work. Megawati said such charges would be baseless as long as soldiers respected existing laws and the military's code of conduct, or Sapta Marga.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
PT Telkom should
PT Telkom should give better service From Republika The plan for a telephone rate increase of 21.67 percent in 2002 using a flat-rate system and in the following year using a "rebalancing formula" should be reviewed. As a consumer, I expect PT Telkom to give its attention to the following: 1. Law no. 8/1999 as well as Regulation no. 68/1999 on protection of consumers' rights to be implemented correctly, honestly and fairly; 2. The decree of the People's Consultative Assembly (TAP MPR) no.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
[b]Conflicts in Indonesia:
Conflicts in Indonesia: A sociological review Ignas Kleden Sociologist, The Center for East Indonesian Affairs Jakarta 2. Yomiuri -- Sparks of hope in a dark year 1 x 28 36 pt Sparks of hope during a dark year Yomiuri Shimbun
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Consumers remain unprotected, YLKI says
Consumers remain unprotected, YLKI says Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian consumers, particularly those from the ranks of the middle class and the poor, are yet to receive the kind of protection they deserve due to the inadequacy of government policy. The Indonesian Consumers' Foundation (YLKI) said in its year- end review that such a situation persisted because the government was still not serious about protecting consumer rights.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Should we amend or replace the basic law?
Should we amend or replace the basic law? There is no doubt that the success of Indonesia's campaign to transform itself into a democratic nation hinges on the presence of a strong and supportive constitution. More than three years into the reform movement, and after three series of amendments, questions are now being asked about whether the 1945 Constitution has what it takes to build a peaceful and prosperous nation. How many more changes do we need to make to our basic laws?
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mega to sign decree for Timor tribunal
Mega to sign decree for Timor tribunal JAKARTA: State Secretary/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo said on Wednesday that President Megawati Soekarnoputri will sign a decree on the appointment of ad hoc human rights trial judges by the end of the year. "We submitted the decree before Idul Fitri (Dec. 16). Before the end of the year (four more days) the President will issue the decree," Bambang told journalists after meeting the President, adding that the hearings will begin next month.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
40 percent of Indonesians poor
40 percent of Indonesians poor JAKARTA: Forty percent of 210 million Indonesians live under the poverty line, according to the National Family Planning Coordinating Agency Yaumil Agoes Achir. The figure is a dramatic increase on statistics prior to the economic crisis in July, 1997 when 11 percent of the population lived below the poverty line, Yaumil said after meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz on Wednesday.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
PON XVI project
PON XVI project and collusion From Republika As a citizen of South Sumatra I feel very sad, annoyed and confounded by the attitude of the provincial executive toward the PON XVI 2004 national sports festival project scam between the regional public works office and the regional legislature's Commission D, involving a Rp 350 million payoff. The conflicting parties (provincial governor Rosihan Arsyad, councillor M.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
PON XVI project
PON XVI project and collusion From Republika As a citizen of South Sumatra I feel very sad, annoyed and confounded by the attitude of the provincial executive toward the PON XVI 2004 national sports festival project scam between the regional public works office and the regional legislature's Commission D, involving a Rp 350 million payoff. The conflicting parties (provincial governor Rosihan Arsyad, councillor M.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Firmer measures needed to consolidate banks
Firmer measures needed to consolidate banks The panel of economists urged the government to take firmer measures against banks still failing to meet the minimum prudential standards set by the central bank, otherwise the whole banking industry would remain highly vulnerable to shocks.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Obituary
Obituary Indonesia has lost one of its best comedians, Wahyu Sardono. Better known by his stage name Dono, he died of lung cancer at Saint Carolus Hospital in Jakarta at about 1 a.m. on Sunday. Dono had been under intensive care since early Saturday. Dono, 50, was born in the Central Java old court city of Surakarta on Sept. 30, 1951. He was buried at Tanah Kusir public cemetery in South Jakarta on Sunday. He is survived by three sons. His wife Titi Kusumawardhani died of breast cancer in 1999.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mega ruins her thrifty campaign: The first family's five-day
Mega ruins her thrifty campaign: The first family's five-day holiday on the resort Island of Bali is ruining the President's just-launched campaign for austerity, critics said on Sunday. Page 2 Police detained illegal loggers: Police seized 24 vessels loaded with illegal sawn timber worth about Rp 20 billion (US$2 million) at the Sunda Kelapa port in North Jakarta, a senior police officer said on Saturday. Page3 International criminal law versus terrorism: The events of Sept.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
~
~ InBox What's the governor's job worth? Monthly salary of Rp 12.6 million (similar to a Cabinet minister) and various allowances that are taken from the 2001 city budget: Annual allowance for official wardrobe of Rp 40 million Annual travel allowance of Rp 445 million Annual health allowance of Rp 138 million Annual allowance for maintenance of official residence totaling Rp 705 million.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Welcome to Ende
Welcome to Ende Some weeks ago I was on a sailing cruise and we anchored off Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara province, for a trip to Mount Kalimutu. We went by speedboat to Pantai Pasar, the beach adjacent to the market. Upon arrival, the beach appeared to be nothing more than an official garbage dump. Our transportation was waiting on the other side of the dump, so the passengers had to delicately trudge through the trash in order to reach their vehicles.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
A challenge to Agum Gumelar
A challenge to Agum Gumelar I should have written this letter when the accident of Cirebon Express and Empu Jaya trains occurred three months ago. Unfortunately another tragedy, the train collision between the Gaya Baru and the Empu Jaya, took place on Dec. 25, 2001. In addition to problems of the railway, nearly all forms of public transportation in this country are cause for great concern.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ahmad Junaidi
Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The city administration has proposed a 2002 City Budget totaling Rp 8.8 trillion, with increased funding for the repression of disadvantaged people and for Governor Sutiyoso's wardrobe. The proposed allocation of funds for public order operations is Rp 63 billion. This year, public order operations received Rp 45 billion, out of a total budget of Rp 8.1 trillion.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Conflicts in Indonesia: A sociological review
Conflicts in Indonesia: A sociological review Ignas Kleden Sociologist, The Center for East Indonesian Affairs Jakarta Poso is the latest example of the inter-ethnic conflicts that have strikingly characterized political reform and the new millennium in Indonesia. Poso, however, is only one item in a long list that includes Pontianak, Sambas, Ambon, Sampit, Aceh and Papua.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Journalists protest threats
Journalists protest threats KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Southeast Sulawesi branch of The Association of Indonesian Journalists (PWI) and the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) have strongly protested against the intimidation of an RCTI correspondent over a report on illegal logging.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
40 percent of Indonesians poor
40 percent of Indonesians poor JAKARTA: Forty percent of 210 million Indonesians live under the poverty line, according to the National Family Planning Coordinating Agency Yaumil Agoes Achir. The figure is a dramatic increase on statistics prior to the economic crisis in July, 1997 when 11 percent of the population lived below the poverty line, Yaumil said after meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz on Wednesday.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mastery of English
Mastery of English "English has been a mandatory school subject for more than half a century. However, all of us are not yet satisfied with the students' mastery of the language", wrote The Jakarta Post on Sept. 25, 1999. This irony reveals the benchmark of a drastic decline in Indonesian education. When students fail to master English, it is the teachers who are to blame. However, there is a tendency to blame other people.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Reform starts with the men behind the law
Reform starts with the men behind the law When it comes to legal reforms, Indonesia seems to have done everything that is required by the book, at least, on the surface of it. This year, the People's Consultative Assembly introduced the third package of amendments to the 1945 Constitution. The House of Representatives endorsed dozens of new laws. Both presidents, Abdurrahman Wahid until July and Megawati Soekarnoputri since then, duly signed these new legislations into law.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Government's fiscal responsibility a faint hope
Government's fiscal responsibility a faint hope There is no way to paint a bright picture illustrating Indonesia's fiscal outlook for 2002. Too many lingering problems remain that will haunt next year's budget. Huge debt repayment, a continued high level of subsidies (especially fuel subsidies) and increased funding for regencies eat up most budgetary spending.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. Afta (4 x 14)
1. Afta (4 x 14) AFTA to come into force without much fanfare 2. Price ( 1 x 24) Food prices to rise between 5 and 10 percent next month 3. BI (2 x 24) Making the most of BI's new transparency ruling 4. Dana (1 x 40) Consumer confidence continues to decline: Danareksa 5. Yen ( 1 x 40) No plans yet to cut yen forex reserves: BI
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Abolition,
Abolition, New Order trick From Rakyat Merdeka The crisis befalling Indonesia is a major consequence of the blunder made during the 32-year rule of the New Order regime under Soeharto. This crisis has been protracted, with the emergence of the post-Soeharto government of reformists who are too immature to lead the country. They have assumed the position of a new force that is supposed to save the nation from the economic quandary.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The Jakarta Post panel discussion 2000
The Jakarta Post panel discussion 2000 On Dec. 5, The Jakarta Post brought together 14 individuals of diverse backgrounds and expertise for a two-day panel discussion in Jakarta to look into the prospects for 2002 from their perspective. We asked each panelist what he or she sees as crucial reforms for the development of a more humane civil society in Indonesia in the coming year.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy: What Jakarta giveth, Jakarta taketh away
Autonomy: What Jakarta giveth, Jakarta taketh away The regional autonomy policy, as embodied in Law No. 22/1999 on regional administration and Law No. 25/1999 on fiscal balance, is a concept Jakarta hastily prepared because it wanted to be seen as sensitive to the demands of reform. From the tall tree of authoritarianism, as one scholar put it, then-President B.J. Habibie plucked out the fruit of the "decentralization of powers" and imposed it on the country.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
What do the panelists have to say about 2002
What do the panelists have to say about 2002 Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara, lawyer, chairman of the Institute for Public Study and Advocacy Foundation: "I'm concerned about the government's plan to introduce an antiterrorism bill.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Some of 2001's grizzly crimes in Jakarta
Some of 2001's grizzly crimes in Jakarta ================================================================================= No. Incident Date State ==================================================================================== 1. Police officer, driver shot Jan. 26 unsolved during armed bank robbery 2. Red Axe gang members shot Jan. 26 -- dead 3. Police shoot two more Red Axe Jan. 28 -- members 4. Body with multiple wounds Jan. 31 unsolved found 5. Police arrest two, seize Feb.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /DPR
JP/ /DPR MPR/DPR - A spectacle of turbulence and contention. Meidyatama Suryodiningrat The Jakarta Post Jakarta Some 250 years-ago American James Madison wrote that democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention. Madison's prophetic discourse on the peril of an assembly undermining democratic values, aptly portray the current plight of Indonesia's highest democratic institutions. His forewarning of "no cure for the mischief of factions" ring true.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special
Year-end Special Ending its series of four special editions Saturday containing articles reviewing this year's events, The Jakarta Post presents today a 10-page outlook for 2002. Pages 11-20
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Who needs Military Command in Jakarta?
Who needs Military Command in Jakarta? Emmy Fitri The Jakarta Post Jakarta In the big city of Jakarta, where there are neither simmering separatist movements nor challenges from foreign invaders, where should the dear soldiers of the city Military Command (Kodam) be positioned?
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rp 560b fund suggested for poor people
Rp 560b fund suggested for poor people Rp 560b find recommended for the poor Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta In the wake of criticism for receiving a financial windfall from the city budget, city council members suggested on Friday that Jakarta's emergency fund of Rp 560 billion (US$56 million) be used to help disadvantaged people.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Activists say Megawati has done little to advance cause of women
Activists say Megawati has done little to advance cause of women Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists here claim that the ascendance of a female president has done little to advance women's empowerment, with Megawati Soekarnoputri herself accused of being an obstacle to affirmative action for women.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Give city's poor Rp 560b, councilor says
Give city's poor Rp 560b, councilor says Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the wake of criticism for receiving a financial windfall from the city budget, city council members suggested on Friday that Jakarta's emergency fund of Rp 560 billion (US$56 million) be used to help disadvantaged people. "Since we are still facing problems related to poor people, (the city) can use the emergency fund to help them," Council Chairman Edy Waluyo told reporters at a year-end press conference.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
City still ignoring victims of forced evictions
City still ignoring victims of forced evictions JP/A.Nara Krisna JAKARTA: Lasimun, 51, stood before the remains of a slum on the banks of Penjaringan canal in North Jakarta, where he had lived for the past 15 years before officers of the public order agency burnt down his and hundreds of other squatters' houses in the area. Just like his neighbors, he and his family of four have no choice but to live in a temporary hut measuring 1.5 by 1.5 meters with no electricity or fresh water.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati's Bali holiday ruins thrift drive: Critics
Megawati's Bali holiday ruins thrift drive: Critics Bambang Nurbianto and Febiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The first family's five-day holiday on the resort Island of Bali is marring the President's recently launched campaign for austerity, critics said on Sunday. President Megawati Soekarnoputri, her husband Taufik Kiemas and relatives and close friends are in Bali until Wednesday. They plan celebrate the new year and Taufik's 58th birthday.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
to be used on Jan. 2
to be used on Jan. 2 ;JP;VIN; ANPAk..r.. Bank-BCA-bidding Best investor for BCA JP/4/edit-2 Best investor for BCA Given the fragile state of Indonesia's banking industry, despite the almost $65 billion in taxpayers' money already spent on its restructuring and recapitalization, it is market credibility and a good track record in bank management, not the highest price, that should become the primary criteria for selecting the winning bidder for a 51 percent stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA).
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Aggressive U.S. dollar buying expected
Aggressive U.S. dollar buying expected The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the first week of the new year, the currency market is expected to be more active with demand for dollar will remain high, putting the rupiah under familiar pressure, an analyst said. Noted currency analyst Farial Anwar told The Jakarta Post over the weekend, the opening days of trading would usually be highlighted by the more aggressive speculators.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP//TNI
JP//TNI Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Although it has formally abandoned its much criticized dual function (Dwifungsi) doctrine, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is yet to shed its image as a "troublemaker". Normally, the military's presence in an area of conflict will raise hopes that peace and order will be restored. But that is not always the case. Look at the heavy military presence in areas of conflict in Maluku, North Maluku, Poso, Aceh, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Six newborn babies rescued from fire
Six newborn babies rescued from fire JAKARTA: Five mothers and six newborn babies, including a set of twins, were rescued from a fire late last Friday that gutted a maternity center in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta. The fire, which broke out around 9:30 p.m., was believed to have been caused by a short circuit in an air conditioning unit.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special
Year-end Special The Jakarta Post continues today with its special 10-page review of 2001 with a look at the regional and metro Jakarta scene. Pages 11-20
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Latest version - Dec 27 - bsr
Latest version - Dec 27 - bsr Caltex Provides Free Harelip Surgery For Local Kids Rahmat was 12 and Juniati was 11. Like the other kids in their village of Aur Sati in the Tambang district of Bangkinang, Riau, the two could often be found playing cheerfully in their neighborhood. As could Kurniati, 7, who lives in the small town of Kuala Enok, Indragiri Hilir, Riau.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Participation, the gist of regional autonomy
Participation, the gist of regional autonomy Viewed from the perspective of reform and good governance, the real issue of regional autonomy is not the distribution of power and financial balance between the central and regional government.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy raises hope and fear on environment's fate
Autonomy raises hope and fear on environment's fate Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta Environmental destruction in 2001 may not have exceeded previous years but was unfortunately just as rapid with nature continuing to vanish in a blink of an eye. Overland, underwater and even our air were victims of man's obtuse greed. Citing a World Bank report, Minister of Forestry M. Prakosa said that at its present rate, Sumatra's forest could vanished by 2005 while Kalimantan would be bare by 2010.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Macroeconomic condition remains fragile
Macroeconomic condition remains fragile The panel of economists' verdict was unanimous. Indonesia's economy, deprived of its external locomotive, would likely expand by only 3.1 percent or, at best, by 4 percent in 2002.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
No Paper
No Paper In observance of New Year's Day, The Jakarta Post will not appear on Tuesday. The Post will resume publication on Wednesday. We wish all our readers a Happy New Year. -- The Publisher
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN enters landmark free trade goal
ASEAN enters landmark free trade goal P. Parameswaran, Manila, Agence France-Presse Southeast Asia will enter the free trade era on Tuesday when six of 10 nations in the region eliminate duties on almost all products they had pledged under a tariff liberalization scheme a decade ago. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are scheduled to bring down tariffs on a wide range of manufactured and agricultural products to between zero and five percent on Jan.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Seasonal
Seasonal trumpet vendors enjoy robust business ahead of New Year Trumpet vendors enjoy robust business Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta Blowing trumpets loudly and making a huge din has become a tradition in celebrating the New Year. A trumpet is a must at almost all New Year's Eve celebrations here. Without the earsplitting noise, the celebration would be less meaningful, some people say.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP/1/HIGH
JP/1/HIGH Explosion at Makassar meeting: An explosion, believed to be from a bomb disguised as a meal package, burst at the dining hall of the Muslim Congress in Makassar, South Sulawesi, wounding three people on Sunday night. Organizers said the explosion originated from one of the donated meal packages. Some 2,300 people are taking part in the congress to discuss the implementation of syariah (Islamic law). -- JP
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Consumer confidence continues to decline
Consumer confidence continues to decline The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Consumer confidence in the country continued to decline in November, signifying the current economic slowdown may deepen and prolong further, according to Danareksa Research Institute. In its latest monthly survey made available to The Jakarta Post on Friday, Danareksa said the Consumer Confidence Index extended its decline to 105.6 in November from 107.7 in October.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
G. Sahari fire destroys 15 houses
G. Sahari fire destroys 15 houses JAKARTA: As many as 15 homes at Jl. Gunung Sahari VIII, Central Jakarta, were destroyed by fire on Sunday morning, leaving dozens of people homeless. There was no reports of casualties in the blaze which, according to nearby residents, was caused by a short circuit in the house of Ismail, located at the community unit 3.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
PON XVI project
PON XVI project and collusion From Republika As a citizen of South Sumatra I feel very sad, annoyed and confounded by the attitude of the provincial executive toward the PON XVI 2004 national sports festival project scam between the regional public works office and the regional legislature's Commission D, involving a Rp 350 million payoff. The conflicting parties (provincial governor Rosihan Arsyad, councillor M.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
People's representatives or party representatives?
People's representatives or party representatives? The politicians who prevailed in our first free election in 44 years may continue to erode our trust, but Indonesians must keep their faith in the democratic process. As discussions among experts often suggests, the trouble with our democracy may not lie in the absence of the rule of law, but rather with those who are running it -- those with little virtue.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
S. Wiryono
S. Wiryono 2. Buchori --How do you assess legislators' quality? 2 X 24 40 pt Bodoni Talking the talk in the DPR: an insider's view Mochtar Buchori Legislator Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Jakarta
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Regional autonomy: A double standard in motion?
Regional autonomy: A double standard in motion? Santi WE Soekanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta When 2002 dawns, Indonesia will mark the first anniversary of the implementation of the regional autonomy policy. Dubbed by many last year as the world's largest experiment in decentralization of power, the policy has turned out to be a sharp wedge, splitting scholars and bureaucrats apart.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
40 percent of Indonesians poor
40 percent of Indonesians poor JAKARTA: Forty percent of 210 million Indonesians live under the poverty line, according to the National Family Planning Coordinating Agency Yaumil Agoes Achir. The figure is a dramatic increase on statistics prior to the economic crisis in July, 1997 when 11 percent of the population lived below the poverty line, Yaumil said after meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz on Wednesday.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The year of political disputes
The year of political disputes Kurniawan Hari and Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta When the nation entered a reform era following the downfall of autocratic president Soeharto in 1998 and his protege B.J. Habibie in Oct.1999, there had been high expectation of the whole nation for a more humane society. This year, three years after the beginning of the reform era, the signs of improvement do not appear.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special Section
Year-end Special Section The Jakarta Post ends the year 2001 with a collection of articles looking at the prospects for the coming year from just about every angle -- politics, the law, culture and economics -- using the national reform agenda as the yardstick. Today's edition of the Special Section completes a series of year-end articles that we have been running since Dec. 26.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
~
~ Yearend special Every day for the rest of this week The Jakarta Post presents a special 10-page review of the year that was starting today with a look back at the national news as well as the sports scene. -- Pages 11-20 ;JP; ANPAj..r.. Publisher-notice No paper on Christmas day JP/1/20011215.@04 No paper on Christmas Day We apologize for this belated announcement that The Jakarta Post was not printed on Tuesday, in observance of Christmas Day.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
A glimmer of hope in the anti-corruption war
A glimmer of hope in the anti-corruption war Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority, still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. -- Lord Acton If power tends to corrupt - and Lord Acton's adage has certainly stood the test of time - the question for Indonesia today is who is going to lead the battle against corruption?
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The dilemma of the cases of Soeharto and Tommy
The dilemma of the cases of Soeharto and Tommy Three of Indonesia's former presidents are connected with legal cases. The cases of two of the former presidents are not so complex or dilemmatic. B.J.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Abolition,
Abolition, New Order trick From Rakyat Merdeka The crisis befalling Indonesia is a major consequence of the blunder made during the 32-year rule of the New Order regime under Soeharto. This crisis has been protracted, with the emergence of the post-Soeharto government of reformists who are too immature to lead the country. They have assumed the position of a new force that is supposed to save the nation from the economic quandary.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The year of political disputes
The year of political disputes Kurniawan Hari and Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta When the nation entered a reform era following the downfall of autocratic president Soeharto in 1998 and his protege B.J. Habibie in Oct.1999, there had been high expectation of the whole nation for a more humane society. This year, three years after the beginning of the reform era, the signs of improvement do not appear.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Australia drops dumping charges against RI's paper products
Australia drops dumping charges against RI's paper products The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Australian government has dropped its dumping allegations against two Indonesian export paper products, according to an Indonesian envoy. Trade and industry attache at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra Sutriono Edi was quoted Sunday by Antara as saying that the decision was made after the Australian Customs Service completed an investigation process.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Sacrificing for the country
Sacrificing for the country President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti have highlighted the financial difficulties experienced by Indonesia. Both of them then appealed to business people to make sacrifices and help the country by bringing back funds kept abroad. Business people reacted by saying that they were basically prepared and willing to do so, but on the condition that the government restores trust and creates a conducive situation.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The genius of civil society in cultural reform
The genius of civil society in cultural reform The most popular slogan heard on the streets during the last few weeks of Soeharto's regime was "Reformasi!" (Reform!). It was the magic word that united people from all walks of life all over Indonesia and eventually forced Soeharto to quit his presidency. It has been more than three years now, with three consecutive presidents, and that magic word seems to be running out of steam.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Small-scale enterprises and the grassroots economy
Small-scale enterprises and the grassroots economy Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) have always emerged as a major topic in seminars and discussions about Indonesia's devastating economic crisis. The general conclusion is that, had it not been for the flexibility and resilience of SMEs, the entire Indonesian economy would long ago have collapsed into total ruin. So it was that the SMEs have been hailed as the savior of the economy.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The nation needs to reformulate its identity
The nation needs to reformulate its identity If society is taken to be an organized set of individuals with a given way of life, culture is that way of life. Society emphasizes the human component, the aggregate of people and the relations between them. Culture emphasizes the component of accumulated resources, immaterial as well as material, which the people inherit, employ, transmute, add to, and transmit. -- Raymond W.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The nation needs to reformulate "Being Indonesian"
The nation needs to reformulate "Being Indonesian" The nation needs to reformulate its identity If society is taken to be an organized set of individuals with a given way of life, culture is that way of life. Society emphasizes the human component, the aggregate of people and the relations between them. Culture emphasizes the component of accumulated resources, immaterial as well as material, which the people inherit, employ, transmute, add to, and transmit. -- Raymond W.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Damar Harsanto
Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Although police failed to rid Jakarta of firecrackers during the fasting month of Ramadhan and the Idul Fitri holidays, they have reiterated their ambitious goal of a firecracker-free New Year's eve in Jakarta. Police vowed on Saturday that they would be firm in enforcing a ban on Jakarta residents trading and using firecrackers.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JETRO sees 3.8% growth for RI economy in 2002
JETRO sees 3.8% growth for RI economy in 2002 Berni K. Moestafa The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) estimated Indonesia's economy to grow by 3.8 percent next year, on the back of continued solid domestic consumption and better export sales, as developed economies were likely to swing back to growth.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Street vendors' center proposed
Street vendors' center proposed MALANG, East Java: Unlike other regional administrations that are very strict with roadside vendors, the Malang administration plans to construct a Rp 4 billion building to accommodate some 3,000 roadside vendors. Head of the roadside vendors' guidance office at the Malang Mayoralty M. Arifin said that funding would come from the mayoralty's 2002 budget.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Food prices to rise between 5 and 10 percent next month
Food prices to rise between 5 and 10 percent next month Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Food prices will increase by between 5 percent and 10 percent once the government raises fuel prices, electricity and telephone rates next month, according to the Indonesian Food and Beverage Association (GAPMMI). GAPMMI's executive director Thomas Dharmawan said last week that producers will have no choice but to raise food prices to cover rising transport and production costs.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Hope in 2002
Hope in 2002 Sabam Siagian, Editor-at-large, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta From the outset of planning the two-day discussion, we, at the newspaper, realized the risks involved in bringing together a group of social scientists, cultural observers and NGO activists, particularly because economists tended to dominate. Preventing the encounter from becoming an in-house discussion among economists of different schools was quite a challenge for the moderators.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Compaq in hospital
Compaq in hospital Tempted by a massive promotional campaign in several newspapers, I bought a Compaq notebook computer Presario 1711AP on Nov. 28, 2001 at IT Valley in Mangga Dua Mall, one of the official Compaq outlets. Much to my surprise, the computer went dead after being used less than a day. Apparently, the great name behind a brand of computer is not always backed by good performance. Several complaints to the dealer seeking a replacement were rudely rejected.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. MEGA, 2 lines, 20 counts
1. MEGA, 2 lines, 20 counts Mega's Bali holiday ruins thrift drive: Critics 2. YLKI, 3 lines, 16 counts Consumer rights remain unprotected, YLKI reports 3. KUPANG: 2 lines, 27 counts All East Timorese refugees must leave camps by Jan. 1 4. BANJIr, 2 lines, 30 counts Medan airport reopens but flooding worsens elsewhere
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Compaq in hospital
Compaq in hospital Tempted by a massive promotional campaign in several newspapers, I bought a Compaq notebook computer Presario 1711AP on Nov. 28, 2001 at IT Valley in Mangga Dua Mall, one of the official Compaq outlets. Much to my surprise, the computer went dead after being used less than a day. Apparently, the great name behind a brand of computer is not always backed by good performance. Several complaints to the dealer seeking a replacement were rudely rejected.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
It's not (only) the economy, stupid
It's not (only) the economy, stupid Economics is extremely useful as a form of employment for economists. In economics, the majority is always wrong -- John Kenneth Galbraith Few people today will argue that a part, probably a large part if not the entire part, of the problem with the Indonesian economy today lies with noneconomic factors.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Welcome to Ende
Welcome to Ende Some weeks ago I was on a sailing cruise and we anchored off Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara province, for a trip to Mount Kalimutu. We went by speedboat to Pantai Pasar, the beach adjacent to the market. Upon arrival, the beach appeared to be nothing more than an official garbage dump. Our transportation was waiting on the other side of the dump, so the passengers had to delicately trudge through the trash in order to reach their vehicles.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Fire razed the 4th floor of a tax building
Fire razed the 4th floor of a tax building JAKARTA: Fire destroyed the fourth floor of the Taxation Agency building in Jl. H.R Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, on Sunday but there were no reports of casualties. According to an official from the fire department in South Jakarta, Sodara Pandu, it was still investigating the cause of the fire which occurred at 5.20 p.m. on Sunday. By the time the blaze was extinguished at 6.10 p.m., it had destroyed the fourth floor and its entire contents, Pandu said.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
No plans yet to cut yen forex reserves, says BI
No plans yet to cut yen forex reserves, says BI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia said it had no plans yet to cut its yen denominated foreign exchange reserves in reaction to Japan's policy to weaken the yen in favor of boosting its export sales. Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said the central bank was monitoring daily the need to decrease or increase its yen reserves. When asked last week whether Bank Indonesia would cut its yen reserves, he said, "not just yet".
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Quo vadis reform?
Quo vadis reform? Bidding farewell to the old year 2001 will not be a heart- breaking event for most Indonesians, as it will end without leaving any sweet memories. On the other hand, welcoming in the new year won't be a particularly joyous occasion either, as 2002 seems set to offer a great deal of uncertainty.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/INSIGHT
JP/3/INSIGHT Whither civil society? Are we getting closer or farther from becoming a civil society J. Soedjati Djiwandono Political Analyst Jakarta Both Sukarno, through his "guided democracy", and Soeharto through his "Pancasila democracy", robbed the sovereignty and power of the people. In a sense, therefore, reform in Indonesia is a process by which the people will endeavor to reclaim their sovereignty and power from the state. Reform is to advance the cause of a "civil society".
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Navy, police tie up on wood theft
Navy, police tie up on wood theft In attempts to stop rampant illegal logging in Indonesia, the forestry ministry has signed a cooperation agreement with National Police and the Navy. The three institutes formalized their shared operations in combating illegal logging during a meeting last week, Muhammad Prakosa, the minister of forestry and plantations, said after the meeting.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Main points of the new gov't instruction limiting wastefulness
Main points of the new gov't instruction limiting wastefulness On efficient uses of state-owned assets: * Limit the use of paper, official stationary only should be used for external correspondence. Typing should be done using 12-point Pica, Arial fonts with a 1.5 margin between lines. * Office vehicles should not be used for non-official purposes, with gasoline and vehicle maintenance costs scrutinized.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
All East Timorese refugees must leave camps by Jan. 1
All East Timorese refugees must leave camps by Jan. 1 Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: In anticipation of possible unrest involving East Timorese refugees who refuse to quit their camps in West Timor all East Nusa Tenggara Police and military personnel are on alert to secure government's assets in West Timor. The move follows the government plan to vacate all refugee camps in West Timor starting Monday. East Nusa Tenggara Police chief Brig. Gen.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Trumpet vendors enjoy booming business ahead of the New Year
Trumpet vendors enjoy booming business ahead of the New Year Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Blowing trumpets loudly and making a huge din has become a tradition in celebrating the New Year. A trumpet is a must at almost all New Year's Eve celebrations here. Without the earsplitting noise, the celebration would be less meaningful, some people say. Others say that buying trumpets to celebrate for New Year is just as wasteful as the celebration itself.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
OSAMA BIN LADEN: The Saudi-born millionaire and other leaders of
OSAMA BIN LADEN: The Saudi-born millionaire and other leaders of his al-Qaida group are still at large in spite of a massive U.S. military operation in Afghanistan. THEYS HIYO ELUAY: The death of the Papuan independence leader in November galvanized demands for a separate state in the eastern province of Irian Jaya. HUTOMO MANDALA PUTRA: The son of former president Soeharto was arrested in November after a year in hiding. He is charged with the murder of a senior judge and bombings in Jakarta.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special Section
Year-end Special Section The Jakarta Post's review of the year today focuses on the development of the country's economy as well as its entertainment scene. The economy continued on its path of muddling along, growing too slowly to kick start the long-awaited recovery but growing enough to prevent a total collapse. Signs of fatigue, however, are beginning to creep in, chiefly because of the government's inability to show firm leadership in pushing crucial but unpopular reforms.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt criticized for reconciling with New Order elements
Govt criticized for reconciling with New Order elements Kurniawan Hari and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Critics have lashed out at the government of President Megawati Soekarnoputri for its reconciliation with leading figures of the New Order regime and, in doing so, ignoring their human rights record.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
A glimmer of hope in the war against corruption
A glimmer of hope in the war against corruption Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority, still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. Lord Acton If power tends to corrupt - and Lord Acton's adage has certainly stood the test of time - the question for Indonesia today is who is going to lead the battle against corruption?
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. FIRE: 36 PT, 1 cols, 4 x 10
1. FIRE: 36 PT, 1 cols, 4 x 10 Police vow to stop firecracker problem 2. CUTLINE: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 40 City still ignoring victims of evictions 3. KAYU: 40 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 22 Police detain 24 ships carrying illegal timber 4. TRUMPET: 50 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 30 Trumpet vendors enjoy booming business ahead of the New Year 5. COUNCIL: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 39 Councillor says give city's poor Rp 560b
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy policy no solution to Aceh conflict
Autonomy policy no solution to Aceh conflict Santi WE Soekanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Another year is whizzing by leaving Aceh with wounds agape and questions unanswered. Hardly a day in 2001 has gone by without murders being committed in the strife-torn region -- the Indonesian Red Cross workers in Aceh recently testified that over the past year at least 1,500 people have been killed while thousands of others will carry lifelong scars, both physical and mental.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Privatization should be reactivated
Privatization should be reactivated The panelists agreed that privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), like asset sales by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, were capable of reinvigorating the economy. Divestment would bring in additional revenue to the cash- strapped government to enable it to reduce its debt burden, and improve investor confidence in the economy as investors would improve the efficiency of SOEs.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Dealing with terrorism
Dealing with terrorism Munir, Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, Jakarta The events of Sept. 11 have triggered fresh debate on the place of terrorism in the realm of international law -- particularly in relation to human rights violations. Long before the tragedy, people throughout the world had been deeply disturbed by more systematically perpetrated terrorist acts -- namely by authoritarian regimes, a phenomenon that has come to be known as state sponsored terrorism.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Making the most of BI's new transparency ruling
Making the most of BI's new transparency ruling Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When reading a bank's financial statement, here is what to look out for: net profit, capital adequacy ratio (CAR), and asset growth and quality, or so a number of analysts have said. Knowing how to read financial reports properly will make more worthwhile a recent ruling by Bank Indonesia forcing banks to publicize their financial reports on a monthly basis.
Mon, 31 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Police vow to rid city of firecracker
Police vow to rid city of firecracker Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although police failed to rid Jakarta of firecrackers during the fasting month of Ramadhan and the Idul Fitri holidays, they have reiterated their ambitious goal of a firecracker-free New Year's eve in Jakarta. Police vowed on Saturday that they would be firm in enforcing a ban on Jakarta residents trading and using firecrackers.